Villages get rail water reprieve

April 13th 2006

A historic and unique water supply to two Scottish villages, maintained by the railway, is to be connected to the mains after 95 years.

Network Rail is picking up a £1.2m bill for work to link Blair Atholl and Bridge of Tilt, in Perthshire, to the national supply. The villages, with 230 households, businesses and schools, have had their water from the railway since the days when steam trains stopped nearby.

After years of being unable to reach agreement over costs, Network Rail decided to step in and finance the project, which Scottish Water will carry out.

Network Rail’s Ron McAulay said: “It seems clear that Scottish Water is best placed to supply Blair Atholl and Bridge of Tilt. This will ensure both communities can tap into Scotland’s 21st century water supply.”

Local MSP, John Swinney, who has been campaigning for the move, added: “This will undoubtedly improve the quality of life of many of my constituents and will be a great boost to water quality.”